Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the demanding standards for women's appearance and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome treatment titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to join a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, plus additional filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the children frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
